Do you count your chickens before bed?

[scoretzm]

We have trained our 4 teenage grandchildren to head count and close up the coop. We have 30 new girls; so sometimes there are 1 or 2 that haven't figured out the routine yet and are hiding somewhere outside. In our last group of hens we had several completely disappear, one was attacked by a hawk, and a few were euthanized; so I think it is important to do a head count, if possible.

 

[Nommie Bringer-Uvda-Noms]

We both count them throughout the day, because we've had predation pressure, but don't want to keep the poor girls locked up, all the time, either. I count again, as they scramble their happy, 'buggie-hungry' fluffy-butts back into the run, in the evening, to make sure no one gets locked out, or is mia. But, hubs takes it a little farther, lol. He absolutely must count them on the rosy, at night, to make sure they're all there, comfy, and no one is being shunned.

 

[zweibucherwurm]

I have 5 chicks, 7 hens in an enclosed run. I do not count at night. They put themselves to bed and unless it's winter, I just leave the door to the coop open for them. That way they can get up early without my having to get them up. I might count if I was free ranging...

 

[eulogos]

I stopped counting a long time ago. With the new little ones I must have over 100.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

For me I count when I let them out. If for some reason they were inside all day (rain, or wet ground) I probably won't count them. I have 37 in my laying flock right now, and 25 chicks in my mobile coop. I count the chicks every night too, even though I don't let them all out side yet. Sometimes I'll take one in the house, but I do bring it back, of course! Sometimes I'll count my hens over and over and over again. I want myself to know that they are all there, haha. Thanks for so many replies!!

 

[ayeitsmeme]

I'm probably the only weirdo who does this but I count all my birds and go down the list telling them all goodnight and that I love them . Yeaaaaah they literally get a whole tucking in lol!

 

[AngieDawn]

How many of you count your chickens when you put them up at night? How many chickens would it take for you to give up counting?

Omg. I just thought about this today as I was counting them! It’s been 10 years and I still count them every day! But my highest was 21 so I’m sure at some point I would give up.

 

[AngieDawn]

I'm probably the only weirdo who does this but I count all my birds and go down the list telling them all goodnight and that I love them . Yeaaaaah they literally get a whole tucking in lol!

I’m guilty of this too. I’m glad I found a place that my crazy looks normal

 

[TinaMarieofFL]

How many of you count your chickens when you put them up at night? How many chickens would it take for you to give up counting?

Yes, I count mine but I only have 4! I would probably give up counting one I have 50.

 

[HodgesHappyHens]

Love to see that I am not alone and as weird as I thought.

I let them out in the morning to free range all day. I do have a large predator presence but it’s been almost a year since my last big loss so counting happens every night. I have 18 laying hens (Plus 9 ISA browns in the broader) I count each night by breed. I find it easier than counting numbers while they are zooming around
1 Delaware
4 RIR
6 Buff Orpington
7 Black Sex-links

I have an evening routine that they happily follow to get them into their bunker, and from their I take count.